Queensland is set to become the first Australian state to introduce pill testing sites in an attempt to reduce the harm caused by illicit drugs. Health Minister Yvette D\’Ath said on Saturday that the service would allow users to have their drugs chemically tested for potentially dangerous substances and chemical compounds. This follows the success of two trials conducted by Pill Testing Australia (PTA) at Canberra\’s Groovin\’ the Moo festival in 2018 and 2019, and an ongoing trial at a fixed site.
David Caldicott, PTA clinical lead and emergency medicine physician, said the move reflected the community\’s desire to shift away from a tough-on-drugs approach to medically based solutions. He said there was a certain degree of bravery in Queensland\’s decision, noting that any shift towards science and medicine is something to be applauded and appreciated.
The Queensland government said it was developing protocols around the operation of testing and would go out to market to identify a provider to trial pill testing at fixed and mobile locations. Drug testing would not prevent police from acting on illicit drug possession, supply and trafficking. The introduction of services in Queensland will support a key priority of the government\’s new plan to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm and consider additional intervention strategies.
Queensland is leading the way in Australia by introducing pill testing sites in an effort to reduce the harm caused by illicit drugs. The service will allow users to have their drugs tested for potentially dangerous substances and compounds, following successful trials in Canberra. David Caldicott, PTA clinical lead and emergency medicine physician, said the move reflected the community\’s desire to shift away from a tough-on-drugs approach to medically based solutions. The Queensland government is developing protocols around the operation of testing and will go out to market to identify a provider to trial pill testing at fixed and mobile locations. The introduction of services in Queensland will support a key priority of the government\’s new plan to reduce alcohol and drug-related harm and consider additional intervention strategies.
Source link
Join our Facebook page From top right corner.
![](\"https://i.brecorder.com/large/2023/03/64098eed58260.jpg\")
![\"یہ](\"https://duet-cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0x0:2268x1190/2400x1259/filters:focal(1134x595:1135x596):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24443214/starlink_map.png\")